I have a 98 GXE and this morning when my dad started the car, it made a horrible clattering noise from the engine. Really loud, kind of like a diesle engine, but worse, all I can say it that it didnt sound so good. I'm cant say if there was any misfire or such read out, because I was in the house when my dad started the car, so that goes to say how loud it was. It lasted for about 5 seconds and went away. Could a little short of engine oil cause the problem? I checked and it was a little below the middle between high and low lines. It happened so quick that I couldnt really tell where the sound was coming from. People, please help me out here!

 

Stand next to the car next time he starts it. Then you will have a better idea of all the symptoms. If this was a one-time situation you have nothing to worry about. Some Maxima owners have reported a similar diesel-like sound immediately after the first start after a long period of disuse (a week or more).

 

Thanks Daniel, yeah, this is the first time it made this noise. But my car is in use daily, thats why I was scared when I heard the noise. Well, I hope that its nothing big, but I have to say, it was pretty scary when I heard the engine make that noise!